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First test results for IX underquilt

I just got my new symmetrical IX underquilt from Mac last week and took it out for an overnighter up on the Mogollon Rim at Knoll Lake. I used a pair of mini biners to attach the shockcord at each end to the amsteel where it meets the whipping. I initially wrapped one end of the shockcord a few times to increase the tension because it seemed to conform to the bottom of my Traveler better, but later that evening I found that I got better warmth to just clip the full length shockcord without any turns to shorten it, presumably to increase the size of the trapped air pocket.

Here's a picture Te-wa took of me lounging in my Traveler that afternoon with the IX underquilt attached. Nothing like a little afternoon siesta!

When I initially went to bed the temps were in the mid to low 40's. I was amazed at how toasty warm I felt with a full length bottom insulation weighing only 8oz. The temps did plunge a bit lower than the weather forecast, and we estimate it got down to around freezing. At around 1:30AM I finally got too cold and used a backup down underquilt I brought along to get warm again. So my initial guess at the comfortable temp range for this underquilt would be down to around 40 degrees, possibly a bit lower. I'm really excited to have such a lightweight and comfortable solution for summer hanging. The quilt packs up very small too, around the size of a large grapefruit in a stuff sack.

Thanks Mac for pushing innovation and coming up with this exciting new product. This will shave another 5-6oz off my pack weight and decrease my pack volume by a lot. I can't wait to get out this summer and do some SUL hanging in comfort.

Thanks Mac for pushing innovation and coming up with this exciting new product. This will shave another 5-6oz off my pack weight and decrease my pack volume by a lot. I can't wait to get out this summer and do some SUL hanging in comfort.

Thanks for the test results. I'm still waiting for my IX UQ to arrive so I can test it out.

Was your test was with one UQ w/2 layers of IX? I think Mac says you can double up the insulation and get to 4 layers of IX that might make it a bit warmer.

This was with a dual layer underquilt, that also has what I believe Mac called insultubes, which seems to be yet another layer in the torso area with some baffling to create more air gaps.

Is that two full length IX layers plus ONE extra torso layer of InsulTubes sewn to the bottom layer, thus between the 2 full length layers?

When you got cool enough to add something else about 0130, did you notice if you were colder on your back than your butt and legs? Or was it all about the same? I have been warmer in the legs than the back, so far.

Originally Posted by SGT Rock

I'm sleeping in mine outside tonight, the temps are supposed to get down to the 50's so I can see if I got my bugs worked out.

Do you also have an extra torso sized layer of InsulTubes? For 3 layers total through the torso? If you work the bugs out, let us know what it is you did differently.

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us....that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
Romans 8:18,21-22

Hey BillyBob. Yes, two full length layers and one extra layer of fabric in the torso region. I recall experiencing the initial cold equally in my back and butt regions, and not so much in my legs.

Is that two full length IX layers plus ONE extra torso layer of InsulTubes sewn to the bottom layer, thus between the 2 full length layers?

When you got cool enough to add something else about 0130, did you notice if you were colder on your back than your butt and legs? Or was it all about the same? I have been warmer in the legs than the back, so far.